No Sew Grommet Drapes

After weeks of pushing it off, it was time to face these shore kitchen windows head on.

I was on a deadline - we had company coming and I didn't want to be working on this while they were there. Without further ado, here are the no-sew grommet curtains I whipped up on Saturday.

I started with the usual tools - fabric, scissors, fabric glue, tape measure, an iron and some curtain grommets. I should have had 12-16 grommets but I only had 8 - I figured I'd make do and add more later. BIG MISTAKE #1 (more on that later.) The width right off the bolt worked perfectly for these decorative panels so I only had to cut once to make sure there was enough fabric for two panels that reached the floor. I cut so that there would be plenty of room at the bottom to hem in place.

Using the marked ends of the fabric as a guide, I folded over twice (ironing for each fold as I went) to make my left hem. When I was happy with how it looked, I applied a bead of glue to hold it down. When I had completed one side, I flipped the whole thing over and did the other. Technically you should wait until the glue is completely dry before moving on but I didn't wait and it didn't seem to be an issue.

At this point I had one big rectangle with two unfinished sides (top and bottom). Now it was time for the curtain header. I made another simple 1 inch hem with the glue but when that was dry I made a large 5 inch fold and glued again.

At last it was time for the grommets. Here is where I got tripped up. Somehow I didn't realize that I needed an even number of grommets until after I had completed the first drape. DOH!! MISTAKE #2: YOU MUST HAVE AN EVEN NUMBER. I added another grommet right next to the center one and that worked to make them functional but it will be a lot harder to add more now. Oh well, live and learn.

I hung them via the rod I installed a while back (its a closet rod!) and hemmed them in place to get a perfect fit. I was worried the glue wouldn't look as crisp but it looks great.

A very easy (yet extremely tedious) project complete. I think they add a lot to the room in terms of looking more finished and makes the whole seating area much more cozy. Excuse the droopiness - more grommets are on the way.

This room isn't quite done yet but I think its summer ready. I just need to find that marble cutting board several of you sugested (great idea!) and maybe something on the walls. What do you think?

It definitely sounds like the Shore House is shaping up... when I started reading this blog I got the impression the place was kind of like a thorn in your side (with that kitchen, I couldn't blame you for that), but it's beginning to sound now like you're much more enthusiastic about tackling the challenge of the place! As an avid reader of your blog, I find this exciting.Also.. I really love that fabric you used for the curtains. It fits the window setting so perfectly!I think you should add some yellow to the room to make it pop if you ask me... with all that gray, a little bit of yellow would be beautiful. Maybe a painting or a picture (or a few) that adds a little bit of contrast to the room?

I think they will look a lot less odd once I've finished the grommets. Of course lining is always nice the fabric is heavy enough that it doesn't need any extra weight to fall correctly (I didn't even have to add pennies to the hem!) Plus I like have a little sun peeking in.

It's hard to explain but essentially you need to have an even number so the fabric hangs in front of the pole on both sides. Otherwise one side is in front and the other is in back. Never thought about it before but it's clearly wrong once you see it hung.

Curtains look great! I have to ask how the painted counters are holding up. My M-I-L is constantly scheming on how to get new counters but she's unwilling to pay for or endure the installation of stone (F-I-L hates change too, which makes me think this is all moot!) She keeps asking me about painted counters and I'd love to be able to give her some first hand knowledge.

I have recently discovered your blog. My 'to do' list includes "home-crafted" drapes and now I feel more inspired to do undertake this project. Thank you! I have discovered fabric fusion a while ago...amazing product!Please do stop by and take the poll on 'A Room with A View' on which rug to pick...http://www.lminteriorsllc.blogspot.comThanks so much!

Love this method for curtains. I too can't sew a bit and I've used this process for curtains in my living room and bedroom. Good for you for going for bonus points with the gromments....I used curtain clips to hang my fabric from the rod.

But, wait, how do you put the grommets in? I've been dying to know how to do this because I need to make some outdoor drapes and I need grommets! I'll go google it, but could you perhaps do an update? Thanks! LOVE the curtains!

The grommets come with directions but its very easy. Just rough cut a hole in the fabric where you want the grommet to go (the grommet package even has a little template) and then the grommet snap/locks into place.

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